The New Orleans Saints signed running back Travis Etienne this offseason to a four year $48 million contract, but some believe that this move could age poorly for the organization. In recent history, organizations have started to become hesitant when paying running backs top dollar in free agency. The position tends to age poorly once they reach age 26 season. However, given the lack of great options in the last couple drafts, the NFL has changed its tune.
Yet, the statistics still remain the same about running backs, and that could lead the New Orleans Saints regretting paying Etienne this contract. Bleacher Report‘s Brad Gagnon also believes that as he gave the Etienne signing a C grade.
He said, “Big second contracts for rookies always carry risk, and it has to be noted that the 27-year-old Etienne accumulated more than 1,000 touches in his four years with the Jaguars. I don’t see this deal aging well.”
The financial details of the Etienne deal are $48 million for four years with $28 million guaranteed. Its a significant for a running back, but the Saints have a few options to get out of the deal in the future.
New Orleans Saints Travis Etienne Deal a Potential Failure From This Offseason
Etienne was one of the more productive running backs in 2025, but how long can he keep up that production?
If Etienne’s tenure fails with New Orleans in the short term, the Saints have two options to get out of Etienne’s contract in the coming years. In 2027, Etienne presents a $10 million dead cap hit if released, but the Saints would free up $3 million in cap space if they do so before June 1st. However, in 2028, New Orleans can get out of Etienne’s contract after the season without any dead cap penalty.
Regardless of how great Etienne is New Orleans, he would have to still be performing at an extremely high level for the Saints to want to keep him at a $15 million cap hit for 2028 and 2029. Perhaps New Orleans will even draft a young running back in the coming years to compliment Etienne. Throughout his career, Etienne has had several committee partners when he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Which Etienne Will Come to the Bayou?
Etienne has flashed plenty of quality throughout his NFL career, but injuries have also hampered his performance.
When Etienne entered the NFL in 2021, he suffered a Lisfranc tear ironically against the New Orleans Saints in a preseason game. That kept him out the entire season but in 2022 he revived his career proving his ability as runner. 2024 was a down year for him as well because of a hamstring issue that really impacted his efficiency. After a stellar season in 2025, he revived his value among the pecking order of running backs.
Although, running back is still one of the most unforgiving positions in the sport, and plenty of talented players have failed to live up to their billing, becoming cap casualties as a result. Perhaps that will happen to Etienne, or he will help revive the Saints running game in 2026.
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